CLIO Art Fair at 508 W. 26 in New York, NY on March 2, 2017. (Photo by Stephen Smith/Guest of a Guest)

Clio Art Fair debuted in 2014 as a satellite of New York’s Armory Show in March, and is now introducing a second edition in October. Clio has a unique focus, placing its emphasis on independent artists who do not have gallery representation in New York City.

The fair is named for Clio, one of the nine muses in Greek mythology, representing history. Her name comes from the Greek word “to celebrate” or “to make famous.” Accordingly, the Clio Art Fair exists to celebrate and promote emerging artists, while creating a venue for artistic innovation.

Artist Monica Delgado with her works at the CLIO Art Fair at 508 W. 26 in New York, NY on March 2, 2017. (Photo by Stephen Smith/Guest of a Guest)

Recognizing that many artists struggle to find venues for promoting their work, Clio Art Fair created a unique platform to highlight artists currently outside of the mainstream art world. Any independent artist without exclusive representation in New York City can submit work for the potential to be included in the fair. Artists based anywhere in the world are encouraged to apply.

Notably, Clio integrates work from emerging, middle career, and iconic independent artists – in the past, Vito Acconci, Nina Berman, and Zana Brinsky have been among them – in a unified space. When selecting the works on view, emphasis is placed on the quality of work, rather than the artist’s prior exhibition history.

At Clio Art Fair, you won’t find the usual booths and compartmentalized spaces that typically characterize art fairs. Instead, the design of this fair is unique, presenting artworks in an open space without division. This unusual design presents the artwork on view like a large curated group show.

CLIO Art Fair at 508 W. 26 in New York, NY on March 2, 2017. (Photo by Stephen Smith/Guest of a Guest)

Through a series of events and programs, including a press preview and multiple VIP openings, artists invited to participate in the Clio Art Fair have the opportunity to meet art dealers, curators, critics, and others passionate about contemporary art. For artists not based in New York, Clio offers free transportation and free storage in NYC one month before and after the fair.

The fair, which will now run twice a year, is located in the heart of Chelsea, an appropriate location for highlighting emerging artists who seek to enter the realm of the New York art world.

For more info, visit www.clioartfair.com or email clio@clioartfair.com.

CLIO Art Fair at 508 W. 26 in New York, NY on March 2, 2017. (Photo by Stephen Smith/Guest of a Guest)

CLIO Art Fair at 508 W. 26 in New York, NY on March 2, 2017. (Photo by Stephen Smith/Guest of a Guest)